Ivan's body surged with mana, red eyes blazing with rage.
"Damn Holy Knights!" he roared, as blood on the battlefield twisted and rose—forming crimson chains that lashed out with murderous intent.
"I will kill you all!"
But before he could strike, golden chains shot from behind, snapping around his arms.
Ivan's eyes widened in shock as more chains erupted, coiling tightly around his body.
Gritting his teeth, he glanced back—
Elira stood firm, surrounded by radiant magic circles, divine light pulsing around her like a storm held barely in check.
"You dare run wild?" she declared, voice steady and unwavering.
"By the light of Her Radiant Mother, your darkness ends here.
For the Queen.
For the innocent.
For every soul you've condemned—
I cast judgment upon you, demon."
With a resounding clap of her arms, magic circles multiplied, flaring with holy energy.
Bound and unmoving, Ivan only smiled—his teeth bared in a cruel grin. A low, dark chuckle escaped his throat.
"Oh, Saintess," he whispered.
"By all means, strike me down.
Kill me.
Defy your King's command.
Spill my blood in Her Radiant Mother's name and convince yourself you are righteous.
But don't fool yourself—
Loyalty isn't a cloak you wear when it suits you."
"It would be wise to think before you act."
Saintess.
As he lets out a chuckle.
Elira's breath hitched. Her brow furrowed.
"The King's order…?"
She scoffed, her voice dripping with fury and disbelief.
"You dare lie to me—invoke His Highness as a shield? Typical demon, full of deceit.
You'd burn the world to save your skin.
As if the King would ever command mercy for the likes of you!"
She stepped forward, holy energy crackling at her fingertips like divine thunder.
"Mutter whatever poison you want. It changes nothing.
Justice will be served—for the Queen, and for every innocent soul you've stolen.
Letting you breathe even for one more moment is mercy.
And that is why I will end you—"
"Saintess—" a voice cut through the air. "Forgive the interruption."
Elira turned sharply.
Cedric approached, intense mana radiating from his body like a tidal wave. The blade at his side crackled with living lightning. His eyes glowed, his expression grim.
"He's telling the truth," Cedric said. "The King's orders are clear.
He is to be captured—alive.
His Highness wishes to deliver judgment personally."
He approached her slowly, his power nearly radiating heat.
"So I ask—stand down. Let him live. That's the King's will."
Holy mana and lightning collided in the air between them as Elira and Cedric locked eyes, their standoff thick with tension.
But then—footsteps echoed. Metal clanked against stone.
All around them, the Knights parted, dropping to their knees.
Theron, the King, approached, flanked by several elite guards.
His presence was heavy, commanding silence with a single glance.
Cedric, Lucan, Thane—all knelt instantly.
The magic circles floating around Ivan all disappears.
Elira followed suit, her voice steady as she lowered her head.
"I greet Your Majesty."
Ivan, still bound in golden chains, looked up at the King with a smirk.